Troy D. Moon, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor of Pediatrics, has received a planning grant from the Fogarty International Center to evaluate existing research capacity of VIGH’s partner organizations in the post-Ebola country of Sierra Leone. He will collaborate with colleague, John S. Schieffelin, M.D., M.S.P.H., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, from Tulane University and Donald Grant M.B.Ch.B., M.P.H., Director of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program at Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone.
In the wake of the Ebola epidemic, it is imperative that Sierra Leone grows its pool of qualified health professionals with methodological skills in implementation science and clinical trial management to address outbreaks of Ebola, Lassa fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. Moon’s team will design a comprehensive plan that allows them to evaluate current research capacities of their partner organizations while refining strategies to address current disparities.
This project seeks to carry out its aims by conducting an assessment of existing research training capacity, reinforcing administrative, managerial, and research collaboration ties between partner institutions, and finalizing a list of prospective trainee candidates and ensuring the establishment of a recruitment and selection process for future trainees.
Partner organizations include the University of Sierra Leone College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) and the Kenema Government Hospital (KGH).
Vanderbilt University Medical Center received one of four awards to strengthen research capacity in Ebola-affected countries.